The bleachers quickly filled up as the Girls United Hockey team filled the net up with eight goals in their section semifinal game against the Henry Sibley Warriors.The girls United hockey team, a co-op between SPA and Visitation School in Mendota Heights, is one step closer on their “Road to State.” They beat the Henry Sibley Warriors 8-1 in similar fashion to last year’s semifinal game.

“It’s a good feeling, but we know we have work to do to prepare for Mahtomedi on Wednesday,” senior Clare Tipler said, “I am confident going into the next game, and excited for what the next week will hold, but am trying to make sure the team stays grounded and understands that nothing is promised.”

United is looking to make their third trip to the state tournament in the last four years. Last year, United beat South Saint Paul in the section final to punch their ticket to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Once there, United won two games to make it to the state final game before losing to The Blake School.

United lost earlier this year to South Saint Paul, who now lost to Mahtomedi in their section semifinal game. The team will need to play better on Wednesday than they did in their Dec 12 contest against SSP to beat Mahtomedi and make it back to state.

“We have made a lot of adjustments since that game both in terms of personnel and systems,” Tipler said, “We know that if we get back to playing United hockey and everyone does their job, we will be just fine no matter who we play on Wednesday.”

The game starts at 7:30 at the St. Thomas Ice Arena. Be sure to get there early, because parking is difficult when it gets busy. The theme is neon out, but that does not mean do not come to the game if you don’t have neon.

There will be full team coverage on social media for those unable to attend the game, check The Rubicon’s Twitter for

Check the full Twitter recap here:

United Section Semifinal – Curated tweets by TheRubiconSPA